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Cookies don’t get much easier than these no-bake Haystack Cookies. If you are able to microwave a few ingredients and mix them together, then you can make these! Just FOUR ingredients and FOUR steps!
Chow mein noodles, peanut butter, peanuts, and some butterscotch chips are all you need to make these classic Haystack cookies! 
Haystack Cookies
You’ve probably had haystack cookies at one time or another. They are a popular style of cookie to be made and shared around the holidays. I remember being a kid, my mom would make these every year!
I have always loved them. They are the perfect combination of creamy and sweet, yet crunchy and savory. Little did I know when I ate them when I was a kid, that there is a secret ingredient that gives these haystack cookies the perfect crunch.
The secret ingredient is chow mein noodles! I was shocked the first time I learned this. It’s the last thing you’d expect to see in a holiday cookie, but it’s the perfect ingredient for these tasty treats.
Beyond the chow mein noodles, my haystack cookies only require three other simple ingredients! Peanut butter, which I typically always have on hand at home, butterscotch chips, and peanuts. Easy peasy!
A fun thing to keep in mind with this recipe is that it’s very versatile. There are many different versions that exist and tons of ways to customize them to make them a fit for any occasion, whether that’s a holiday party, a birthday, or just a random weekend at home!
Haystack Cookies Ingredients
In order to make a single batch of haystack cookies, these are the ingredients you’ll need. However, keep in mind that these are so easy to put together and they make a great gift to give.
- 1.5 cups of butterscotch chips
- 3/4 cup of creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup of salted peanuts
- 7 cup chow mein noodles
I find that when I make them I often double or even triple the batch! If you’re going to do so, just be sure to double up on each of the ingredients as well!
Also, keep in mind that if you choose to customize your haystack cookies for a special occasion, you’ll need to be sure to have those ingredients on hand as well.
How to Make Haystack Cookies
STEP ONE: Place the peanuts and chow mein noodles in a large bowl and set aside.
STEP TWO: In a medium saucepan over low heat melt the chips and peanut butter together.
STEP THREE: Pour the chips and peanut butter mixture over the peanuts and noodles and toss them together until they are all coated.
STEP FOUR: Drop tablespoon-sized pieces onto wax paper, making little piles and allow them to cool and harden.
The worst part is always waiting for them to cool and harden so that you can eat them!
These are also a great cookie to enlist the help of the little ones! They love to get involved in the kitchen and this is the perfect recipe to have them help with because they are pretty much impossible to mess up!
You don’t have to be super precise with the size of your haystack cookies, you can make them whatever size you like. Plus, anyone can microwave and mix together some ingredients. So, I always let the kids help out with these ones!
Ways to Customize Your Haystack Cookies
There are several ways you can customize your haystack cookies, from the ingredients you actually mix in with them, to the toppings you choose to finish them off with.
One of the most simple ways of customizing them is by adding some sprinkles to the top. This not only adds a bit of color and excitement, but you can customize it for any occasion. You could add red and green sprinkles for Christmas or do a colorful combo for a birthday party!
I have also seen various recipes that use chocolate chips or white chocolate chips in place of the butterscotch chips! You could also swap out the peanuts for any other type of chopped nuts.
Last but not least you can get a bit creative with the ingredients you mix in. We love some of the following mix-ins:
- Coconut flakes for an Almond Joy vibe
- Mini marshmallows for a s’more style haystack cookie!
- The possibilities are endless, and it allows you to be creative and have a bit of fun with a super simple recipe!
More Great No-Bake Desserts
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
- No-Bake Monster Cookie Oatmeal Energy Balls
- Easy No-Bake Truffles
- No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
More Cookie Recipes
Haystack Cookies
If you are able to microwave a few ingredients and mix them together, then you can make these! Just FOUR ingredients and FOUR steps!
Ingredients
- 7 cups chow mein noodles
- 1.5 cups butterscotch chips
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup salted peanuts
Instructions
In a large bowl place the peanuts and the chow mein noodles and set aside.
- In a medium sauce pan over low heat melt the chips and the peanut butter together.
- Pour chips/peanut butter mixture over the peanuts and noodles and toss together until all coated.
Drop tablespoon-size cookie onto wax paper making little piles and allow to cool.
Nutrition per serving
If you’ve ever tried these haystack cookies, then you already know how delicious they are! If you haven’t, then you are in for a huge treat. They are so simple to make, easy to get creative with, and make the perfect cookie for any occasion.
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